Huntsville Stars (Double-A):
Record: 40-26
Currently in first place in the Southern League’s North Division (and has a game on West Tennessee and Birmingham for the best record in entire Southern League)

Team BA: .302 (1st)
Team ERA: 3.92 (3rd)

Team Leaders:
BA (more than 5 ABs): Mat Gamel (.376)
HR: Matt LaPorta (18)
SB: Alcides Escobar and Michael Brantley (T-17)

ERA (starters): David Welch (3.11)
ERA (relievers): Patrick Ryan (1.16)
SO: Steve Hammond (73)

Double-A Hardware for Welch and Gamel
Following his seven-inning no hitter Huntsville pitcher David Welch was named the Southern League Pitcher of the Week for the week of June 2-8. Welch went 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA during the week.

Third baseman Mat Gamel also grabbed honors recently, as he was named Southern League Player of the Month for the month of May. During the month Gamel hit .387 with 8 HR, 28 RBI, along with 11 doubles and a league leading 48 hits/83 total bases. Beyond May, Gamel is leading the Stars in most offensive categories, including: Runs (60), Hits (100), 2B (21), 3B (5), RBI (60), Total Based (173), OBP (.443), SLG (.650), AVG (.376) and OPS (1.094). Unfortunately, Gamel is also leading all Stars players in fielding errors (15) – which may be the primary reason he has yet to take the hot corner spot vacated by Russell Branyan at Triple-A Nashville.

LaPorta Flying Through the Minors
At this time last year Huntsville OF Matt LaPorta was in the process of signing his contract with the Brewers who, days earlier, drafted him in the first round of the MLB First Year Player Draft. Since then, LaPorta has climbed the rungs of the minors faster than you can say “Ryan Braun.” In what will almost undoubtedly be his only season at the Double-A level en route to the bigs, LaPorta has clubbed a team-leading 18 homers. He’s also posted 71 hits, a .298 average and a Gamel-like 1.029 OPS. Both he and Gamel (and possibly Escobar) are safe bets to receive September call-ups to Milwaukee. Furthermore, a popular theory puts LaPorta in a corner outfield spot in Milwaukee for much (or all) next season if the crew doesn’t pick up current CF Mike Cameron’s 2009 option.

Other Odds and Ends
- The Stars have been a team since 1985, but have only been an affiliate of the Brewers since 1999. Prior to partnering with the Brewers, Huntsville served as a form team for the Oakland Athletics organization. The have won 3 League Championships, but just one with connection to Milwaukee (2001).

- The organization has helped groom the likes of big league stars like Jose Canseco, Miguel Tejada, Mark McGuire, Jason Giambi, Tim Hudson and Eric Chavez along with current Brewers boppers Prince Fielder, Corey Hart, Ryan Braun, Rickie Weeks and Bill Hall and current and future aces Ben Sheets and Yovani Gallardo.

- The Stars are managed by renowned Brewer Don Money. In 2007 Money was named the Southern League Manager of the Year.

- Backup IF Michael Garciaparra is the 25-year-old brother of ex: Cubbie/disabled list regular Nomar Garciaparra.

Tonight’s Game: Brewers 10, Astros 6
Record: 34-31, Third Place
Games Behind Cubs: 7.5

The Brewers were able to fight through a near implosion to garner the first road victory of the Houston/Milwaukee season series, as Corey Hart’s 2 HR and 4 RBI proved the difference. He’s making Ned’s lineup shuffle look genius. I think it’s important to note Guillermo Mota pitched two scoreless innings (in his first outing since Friday’s 5 earned runs against Colorado) to hold the game in check. More on the game HERE.

- Jason Kendall hit a homerun!: I knew I could feel something strange in the air tonight.

- J.J. Hardy looked as if he may have agrivated his left shoulder tonight: He’s been playing through minor injuries all season. It doesn’t look to be too serious, but something to keep an eye on in the coming days.

- Corey Hart to run more in leadoff role: It’ll be tough to steal bases if he keeps hitting those four baggers. Needless to say, he’s already been a spark at the top of the lineup card.

- Mat Gamel will stay in Double-A (for now): What’s the rush? He’s mashing, but still has room to develop in Huntsville… plus (unlike Nashville) the Stars are in a playoff race.

- Cubs OF Alfonso Soriano out at least six weeks with broken finger: Though you never like to see players get injured, maybe the ailing stars in Soriano and Pujols will enable the crew to pick up a few games in the Central. But Soriano’s injury earlier this season didn’t seem to have much bearing in the standings.

- Ken Rosenthal speculates the Brewers may move chips in Double-A and/or Gwynn to get “an accomplished starter” down the stretch.

- Brew Crew Ball interviews Brewers 16th round selection, Canadian pitcher, Stosh Wawrzasek.

- Brewers Nation projects Mark DiFelice will be sent down to make room upon David Riske’s return: I’d be inclined to agree.

- The Mets DFA former Sounds IF Abraham Nunez: Retaining Crabbe looks better and better every day… and it looked good from the get go!

- MLB Trade Rumors collects reports of the Royals moving Gil Meche before the deadline: The Cubs are said to be in the running. I think bringing in Meche in his current form might give the Brewers a competitive advantage, but when he’s going well Meche could help any contender.

- Bugs & Cranks is back with more “humor-injected” Brewers commentary.

- In lieu of Bryan’s Brevard post, I’ll pen an update of the Huntsville Stars and post it Thursday.

Tonight’s Games: Astros 6, Brewers 1
Record: 33-31, Third Place

No matter how you stacked it the Brewers weren’t cut out to claim the first road victory of the ‘08 Brewers/Astros season series. Rickie Weeks going to the DL, combined with the return of the struggling Mike Cameron and Bill Hall’s past success againt Roy Oswalt caused a sizeable shakeup to Milwaukee’s lineup card; Hart hit in the leadoff spot, Hardy 2nd, Branyan 5th, Cameron 6th and Hall 7th (playing 2nd). It (along with extra outs/runs from sub-par defense) didn’t work tonight, but I can’t blame Ned for trying something new to get things going.

- More on the lineup HERE.

- In encouraging news, David Riske is threw a pain-free bullpen session: I hope he brushes up on his throws to first base before he comes back.

- Brewers interested in Brian Roberts?: Apparently not. The asking price seems too high. Roberts is a leg (or two up) on Weeks… especially now, but not worth taking on his salary and dealing Gamel and/or LaPorta, if not more. What do you think?

- Brewers Nation has a list of signed draft picks (by way of BrewerFan.net’s “Mass Haas”): Notice RFB interviewee Evan Frederickson at the top of that list!

- Prince Fielder looks up to Ken Griffey Jr.: Who doesn’t? Echoing Bryan’s sentiment, Griffey is a great player and a class act. It’s cliche at this point, but imagine if he’d been healthy his entire career.

- Al’s Ramblings ends the Kapler or Cameron defense debate of last Friday in one fell swoop: Errors happen to the best of them. I’m just glad the Brewers have two outfielders good enough to spark debate to which of them plays when.

Al says: “I read somewhere, I think it was in a JS chat, that Ned should have substituted Cameron in for Kapler in one of those games in which the bullpen allowed some runs. So much for those second guessing fools.”

- Adam McCalvy has a mailbag.

- “Fans First” program begins next Friday: I find it strange that a program must be implemented for executives to convince fans they actually matter.

- During the FSN telecast tonight, “John from Appleton” asked what might be the dumbest CarQuest… Facts… whatever it is (obviously their sponsorship hasn’t had its intended effect on me) question of the fledging feature’s existence: “Who has the bigger advantage, the pitcher or the hitter?”

If that question – in all its vague and unintelligible phrasing of a sub-casual fandom – could be effectively answered, there would be essentially no point to the game of baseball. A question of that caliber raises another question; how many times does Bill Schroeder have to waste his breath, not to mention any semi-knowledgeable fan’s time, answering questions like “What’s that bag on the pitcher’s mound?”, “What is baseball?” and John from Appleton’s inquisitive gem before the question is finally and rightfully done away with?

Who screens these things? Do people know how to conduct a simple Google search? I have half a mind to actually pay attention to who sponsors this abomination so I can actively boycott it until 1. FSN pulls it from their broadcasts or 2. The quality of the questions drastically improves. I will enlist anyone who seeks to join me in my fight for justice in inquiry… no questions asked.

To try and make our site even more informative on everything Brewers, Tyler had a great idea that we update you all on the Brewers minor league affiliates from time to time. My goal is that the next time a Tim Dillard comes up, we all aren’t scratching our heads saying “Who?”.

Brevard County Manatees (A-Advanced):
Record: 33-31 (Following in the Brewers footsteps)
Currently 2nd Place (7 Games out of first)

Team BA: .247 (10th)
Team ERA: 3.98 (9th)

Team Leaders:
BA: Taylor Green (.311)
HR: Stephen Chapman (8)
SB: Darren Ford (31)

ERA (Starters): Zach Braddock (3.9)
ERA (Relievers): Casey Baron (2.14)
SO: John Axford (51)

Two Manatees Selected to the FSL (Florida State League) All Star Game
CF Darren Ford and 3B Taylor Green made this year’s FSL All Star Game. Ford currently leads the entire league in stolen bases and has an on-base percentage of .330, even though his batting average is only .236. Very Rickie Weeks-esque numbers. Ford was from the 2004 Draft, where he was drafted in the 18th round. Green is hitting over .300 and leads the team in RBI’s, Slugging %, and OBP. Link

Jeremy Jeffress Update
The first round pick for the Brewers from 2006 is having a rough start to his year. Jeffress is currently 2-2 with a 5.13 ERA. However, his last two outings have been dominant with Jeffress going 7 innings each time giving up only 6 hits total. His ERA is stifling at home (2.49), but when he gets on the road, it balloons (17.36). Hopefully with maturity as a player, Jeffress will become more consistent.

Brevard County Holds Record
The Manatee organization recently attempted and succeeded in breaking the world record for First Pitch Attempts. Starting at 5 a.m., people started to come into the ball park to throw a first pitch. By 12:30 p.m., the old record of 6,130 first pitch attempts was broken. By the time the game started, there were 8,304 first pitches. Link

Finally, here’s a page that gives you an idea of what the team plays in. Space Coast Stadium

Week 10 Record: 4-2
Total Record: 33-30

Things I Like:
- The pitching staff smothering Arizona! For the entire 9 game home stand, the Brewers only had one game where they gave up more than 3 runs!
- McClung and Parra dealin’
- More offensive blow outs!
- Corey Hart’s inside the park home run
Brew Crew sweep Snakes
Corey Hart Talks about Home Run
- Branyan and Kapler making their chances count
- Torres! Not once have I heard “Hey, I wonder when Gagne is going to come back.”
- Mike Rivera barely getting a chance to play, but when he does, he still calls a good game and wields a good bat.
- Griffey getting 600. I know he plays for a rival, but I looked up to him when I was growing up. Never once did anyone think he was on anything other than talent. I also enjoyed the announcer for the Reds: “Everyone is here! Senior is here, Melissa, the kids… his agent!” Yeah, the agent is just as important as the wife and kids.

Things I Don’t:
- Rickie on the DL….again.
- Blowing leads and momentum
- Bill Hall and his agent’s announcement during a hot streak for the team, and a cold streak for Bill. Timing not your strong point, is it?

Numbers of the Week:
.272 – Brewers BA this past week

89 – Major League Ranking for Bill Hall’s Fielding Percentage (.908). That’s good for dead last among Third Basemen who have started more than 20 games in the entire league.

3 – Number of teams above .500 on the road (Angels, Cardinals, and Phillies)

With the 35th overall pick in the First Round (Comp. Round A) of the 2008 MLB First Year Player Draft, the Milwaukee Brewers selected pitcher Evan Frederickson. The 6′6” southpaw pitched at the University of San Francisco this season and went 5-3 and with 109 strikeouts in just 75.1 innings of work. He was the first collegiate player selected by the Brewers in the ‘08 draft and he could be the first of the 54 players Brewers selections to make it to the show.

But perhaps most notable, Evan Frederickson is the first player to be interviewed for our Web site.

Right Field Bleachers: First, congratulations on being drafted on Thursday. But this wasn’t your first time being drafted. How does it feel to not only be drafted again, but to be drafted significantly earlier than you were by Minnesota (27th Round) in 2005?

Evan Frederickson: As you can probably guess, it was a great feeling to hear my name called on ESPN so early. Based on this year’s result, it was definitely the right decision to not sign in 2005 and go on to play college ball, although during my first two years at Virginia Tech I sometimes wondered if I had made the right decision.

RFB: Do you plan to sign with the Brewers, or have you already?

EF: I have every expectation to sign soon, but I’ll leave it up to the Brewers to announce it when it occurs.

RFB: Beyond enabling you to be selected earlier this season, what were some of the other benefits of your decision to attend college instead of joining the Twins?

EF: Based on my experiences in college, I can look back now and know that I’ve matured in the past three years and am more ready and focused to start my career, including having a better mental and physical routine for baseball, and simple things like living on my own, cooking, and washing clothes

RFB: Looking back, were you happy you went to school instead of straight to the minors?

EF: Yeah I’m definitely happy that I went to school, not only that I improved my draft position, but that I didn’t miss out on the college experience.

RFB: Speaking of school, what led you to transfer to the University of San Francisco from Virginia Tech prior to your Junior season? Was playing time (56.2 innings in first two seasons) a factor, and did the move work out as well as you’d hoped?

EF: To put it simply, I wasn’t pitching as well as I knew I’m capable of, so a major change was needed. In the summer I started looking for a new place to play with the quality of pitching coach and the program the major factors. Brian Anderson, teammate and friend from the past two summer years of summer ball, frequently spoke highly of Greg Moore, the Dons pitching coach. My summer Coach, Sal Colangelo, knew Coach Moore as well and was also very enthusiastic about his character and approach.

Towards the end of summer ball, Coach Moore flew out to see me pitch. We met the night before my start for dinner, and after talking pitching for hours, I knew I wanted to pitch for him. In fact our conversation carried over to my start the next day and I believe was a big reason that outing was by far my best of the summer. The playing time at Virginia Tech was not a factor. Overall the move to San Francisco worked out as best as I could have hoped for and it was the right decision.

RFB: I noticed you pitched a lot more in San Francisco. I also read an article that credits the move to USF as helping you regain your confidence and improving your accuracy. Why is that?

EF: Moving to USF definitely helped regain my confidence and accuracy. Coach Moore was a big reason for that, as well as just a change of scenery and a ton of hard work. Also, my catcher Ryan Lipkin stuck all of my pitches as well as I’ve ever been caught. It helps a ton having a solid catcher behind the dish.

RFB: Have you ever been to Wisconsin? If not, what do you know about it?

EF: My first visit to Wisconsin was the Saturday before the draft for a workout at Miller Park. My first experience in Wisconsin was definitely a positive one.

RFB: Tell about yourself. What do you do for fun? What are your interests?

EF: Unfortunately, I spend most of my time training in some way or recovering from working out. In the free time I do have, I like to play poker and hang out with friends. I also take on all challengers in ping pong.

RFB: When are you to report to the minors? Which club?

EF: I’m not sure quite yet.

RFB: When will you know you’ve finally arrived as a big leaguer?

EF: I’d have to say sitting in the Brewers’ locker room putting on the uniform for the first time.

- Interview by Tyler Maas

Today’s Game: Brewers 3, Rockies 2
Record: 33-30, third place
Games Behind Cubs: 6.5

The Brewers saved the best for last on Sunday, holding on to salvage a game in a series that found the Brewers blowing a huge lead (Friday) and pretty much immediately losing (Saturday). Jeff Suppan had a sturdy outing and the bullpen earned the game ball as a result of great showings from the likes of Carlos Villanueva and Salomon Torres. More HERE.

- Rickie Weeks was sent back to Milwaukee after today’s game to undergo tests on the sore knee sustained when he was slid into Friday: Ned Yost doesn’t think the injury is serious and neither he nor Weeks consider the slide to have been anything more than “hard baseball.” It’s iffy, but I think I have to agree. Craig Counsell and Joe Dillon will split time at second until Weeks returns.

- Matt LaPorta has another journal entry.

- Jim Powell interviews first round (16th overall) pick Brett Lawrie: Stream it HERE.

- Mike Cameron hopes to work through his slump: He has a great attitude and a real veteran mindset. One has to think he’ll get more playing time as this road trip wears on, but he may not hit in the two slot upon his re-entry.

- Chuckie Hacks has a suggestion for who should pitch late in close games: Hint: It happened today. It’s hard not to agree.

- Brewers Nation doles out awards for minor leaguers: They make mention of Jeff Weaver’s pair of seven-inning, two earned run outings this week. With exactly a week before his out clause, I’d expect Weaver to begin his incentive-laden stint with the big league club in place of either Dave Bush or (if he scuffles Tuesday) Seth McClung.

Also, LHP Chris Cody seems to have been a steal in return for giving the Tigers Jose Capellan.

- Bugs & Cranks writes of Seth McClung’s besting of Randy Johnson in his start last Tuesday: Hilarity ensues.

- I had the opportunity to interview Brewers draft pick Evan Frederickson, a LHP who was taken No. 35 overall in Thursday’s MLB First Year Player Draft: I’ll try to post it as soon as I can. Expect it early Monday morning.

Round 1 (No. 16 overall) – Brett Lawrie, IF/C, Brookswood SS (CAN): The 18-year-old Canadian is already regarded as a legitimate hitter. Minor League Draft Report says of Lawrie, “his best tool is his plus, plus raw power” and “It may take a while, but putting that bat behind the plate could one day make him a premium player.”

With the 28-year-old Vinny Rottino waiting in the wings to take over catching duties, backup Mike Rivera 31 and farmhands Angel Salome and Jonathan Lucroy still awhile away, Lawrie could spell an eventual long term solution to a historically weak-hitting Brewers catcher position. If Lawrie doesn’t pan out at catcher, his bat could bring him to an outfield or corner infield position.

Comp Round A (No. 32 overall) – Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Highland HS (IL): Possibly taking a gamble on the compensatory picked gained in the loss of Fransisco Cordero in free agency, the Brewers drafted Odorizzi – who has committed to play for Louisville. Selecting him this high may allude to the lanky hurler’s signability.

His fastball already touches the mid-90’s, but his curve has been said to effectively hit the low 70’s. Odorizzi’s Draft Report indicates the 18-year-old possesses “four average or above pitches and the overall ability to command them. He’s got a quick, easy arm action and room to grow on his frame.” Interesting that the Brewers forgo a college-age pitcher, but if he signs, he and Jeremy Jeffress (high school pitcher taken in first round of 2006 draft) could be staples in Milwaukee’s starting rotation years down the road.

Comp Round A (No. 35 overall) – Evan Frederickson, LHP, University of San Francisco: Frederickson is a burly 6′6”, 238-pound lefty who transferred to USF from Virginia Tech. In minimal time at Virginia Tech (56.2 innings over two seasons) he managed to strike out 68 hitters, which translates to about 1.2 K’s per inning pitched. This season at USF Frederickson struck out 109 in 75.1 innings of work, while posting a 5-3 record and 4.54 ERA in 15 appearances.

Frederickson was selected by the in the 27th round of the 2005 amateur draft by the Minnesota Twins, so it’s not a long shot to assume it’s likely he’ll sign in his final season of eligibility. Based his age and collegiate progression, I’d venture to guess he’s on a faster track to the bigs than Odorizzi is.

Round 2 (No. 53 overall) – Seth Lintz, RHP, Marshall County HS (TN): Lintz has committed to play at Kentucky next season, but should he decide to sign with Milwaukee the Brewers will get a pitcher who struck out 121 over 85 innings and walked only 31 in a senior season that found him going 12-1. Minor League Ball projected Lintz to be drafted in the third round (No. 96 overall) by the Braves.

Round 2 (No. 54 overall) – Cutter Dykstra, CF, Westlake HS (CA): Following in the footsteps of Prince Fielder, Cutter is the son of former big leaguer (Lenny Dykstra) and has been described to have similar athleticism as his father. His Minor League Profile says he has “plus speed and some pop in his bat. He won’t play shortstop as a pro, but profiles better as an offensive-minded second baseman or center-field candidate.”

Round 2 (No. 62 overall) – Thomas “Cody” Adams, RHP, Southern Illinois University Carbondale: The Saluki junior seems less a power pitcher than previous picks, but (indicative in his 3.75 ERA) more a finesse-type hurler who’s able to work deep into games (96 innings scattered over only 14 appearances this season). I’ve never seen the guy pitch, but it seems to me his numbers loosely translate to a Joe Blanton or Jeff Suppan at the Major League level. Should be a safe sign too?

Round 3 (No. 94 overall) – Logan Schafer, CF, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: Schafer obviously made the right move in not signing with the Rockies (who took him with the 1376th pick) in 2007. A 2008 season where he hit .365, knocked in 49 (230 ABs) and lead his team in homers (9) seemed to up his stock considerably. He only swiped 6 bags in 56 games, but started every game and played error free in center and is a left handed bat.

Round 4 (No. 128 overall) – Joshua Romanski, LHP, University of San Diego: A compact 21-year-old, his scouting report says, “There is some debate over Romanski’s value, whether it’s higher on the mound or in the outfield” AND “He might be a bit of a tweener who ends up being a pretty good fourth OF one day.”

Round 5 (No. 158 overall) – Maverick Lasker, RHP, Sandra Day O’Connor HS (AZ): His fastball touches the mid 90’s and his MLB Draft Tracker Scouting Report says he has a ’slurve-type’ pitch. It also projects Lasker to be at least a setup man.

Round 6 (No. 188 overall) – Jose Duran, SS, Texas A&M University: Duran led the Aggies with a .382 average and 102 hits this season. He also had 6 HR, 7 triples, 14 SB and 67 RBI is just 63 games. Duran is the first pick to directly address the club’s apparent need to replenish their middle infield.

—– For a listing of the Brewers’ draft picks from day 2, go HERE.

With the season on the brink of disaster just a couple of weeks ago, the Crew has fought back to prove they have the bats and pitching to compete in the NL with an impressive run of hard-fought victories. Despite the recent string of success, a glaring hole still remains at the top of the Brewers’ rotation. Ben Sheets is an ace and will be one of the top pitchers in the game if he remains healthy, but behind him the Brewers have no elite starters since Yovanni Gallardo fell to injury. To be a legitimate contender and certainly to compete in the playoffs (just ask the 2007 Cubs), teams need at least two top starters.

Rich Harden is the perfect answer. The Oakland A’s righty is a bona fide ace and is reportedly on the trade block. Yes, he has a long history of injuries, but that is the only reason the Brewers would be able to afford to trade for him and I think he’s worth the risk. Other possible options would cost too much in a trade (like C.C. Sabathia) or are not top-of-the-rotation hurlers (like Greg Maddux).

The 26-year-old Harden is 3-0 this season in seven starts with a 2.61 ERA and a 2.7 walk to strikeout ratio. He’s given up a total of three runs in three games against the impressive Red Sox offense.

“He’s got as good as stuff as anybody in the league,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said after the last loss. “He gets into some fastball counts and doesn’t give you a fastball. We’ve seen him too much. We don’t need to face him every other game. I hope he’s not going to come back and pitch Sunday.”

Harden has a team option for 2009 so he’d be more than just a half-season rental. He is signed for $4.5 million this season with a club option for $7 million in 2009. If the option is declined, he would be eligible for arbitration. The Brewers will all but certainly lose Sheets to free agency after this season and Harden could help fill that void as he’d pair with Gallardo at the top of the rotation in 2009.

A Sheets/Harden combo for the rest of 2008 and a Gallardo/Harden combo for 2009 would be among the best top twos in baseball (if the pitchers stay healthy). The Brewers would also likely receive two first-round picks and two first-round sandwich picks for losing Sheets and Harden to free agency (one of each in the 2009 and 2010 drafts respectively). They could use those picks to help bring some pitchers into their minor-league system, which could use an influx of high-ceiling arms.

The A’s appear willing to trade Harden and will likely seek out deals soon as Harden continues to build on his strong start (which was partially marred by a month-long stint on the DL with a slight strain in his shoulder). A’s GM Billy Beane is known for getting the better end of deals, but Harden’s injury history will make him somewhat affordable for the small-market Brewers, who usually can’t afford to deal prospects.

Here’s one NL executive’s opinion of what it would take to get Harden from a recent Jayson Stark column:

“I wouldn’t give them three quality guys for him no matter what I saw in the next two months, because I couldn’t count on him doing that for the next three years. Oh, I think he’ll pitch over the next three years. But I think he’ll pitch, then break down, then pitch, then break down. So to me, this deal would have to be one piece. It would have to be just a prospect. And it wouldn’t be a top-of-the-line prospect. But I bet Billy will get somebody to give him that top-of-the-line guy. There are just enough [GMs] fighting for their job that in a month or two, they might trade anybody.”

Harden is only signed through 2009 so “the next three years” would matter little to the Brewers. The team would only have him for a season and a half and would likely not pursue a long-term deal with him because of his injury history and the insane cost of pitchers with upside like Harden once they hit free agency.

Here is the trade I would offer Oakland:

• Brad Nelson – The A’s need a first baseman since Daric Barton does not appear to be the long-term answer. Nelson is a nice prospect (#17 on the BrewerFan.net Power 50) and fits the Billy Beane mold perfectly. He has a ridiculous on-base-percentage of .445 in AAA right now and has decent power too, hitting eight home runs through 52 games. He’s 25 and is probably ready for a call-up to the big leagues this season. There is no place for him to play in Milwaukee over at least the next three seasons because Prince Fielder will be here.
• Michael Brantley – Brantley is an intriguing outfield prospect (#11) and has crazy plate discipline. He has struck out only 11 times in 214 at bats at Huntsville this season and has a .402 OBP. He’s also just 21. With Braun and Hart cemented in the Milwaukee outfield, LaPorta on the way and Cole Gillespie seemingly next in line, Brantley will be hard pressed to find a starting spot with the Brewers anytime soon.
• And one or two lesser regarded prospects – Beane likes to mine for under-the-radar guys. He could certainly find one or two in the Brewers system to round out the deal.

The A’s would get two top 20 prospects (who fit their mold) and one or two other players and the Brewers would get an elite (though injury prone) pitcher for the stretch run this season and all of 2009. Nelson and Brantley are nice players, but do not have a clear future in Milwaukee.

It will be interesting to watch Harden pitch over the next handful of weeks to try to prove his health. His stock will likely rise and fall with every start and every hint of injury concerns. If he remains healthy and pitching well, the Brewers may have to substitute one of Nelson or Brantley with a more highly regarded prospect like Gillespie (#7). If the A’s demand arms, lefty Steve Hammond (#19) may be an option. Gillespie and Hammond are certainly not indispensable players and could become part of a trade for Harden.

The Brewers should pull the trigger on the injury prone ace. It’s risky, but this is the kind of trade that could push a good Milwaukee team to the next level without seriously jeopardizing the teams’ future.

Tuesday’s Game: Brewers 10, Diamondbacks 1
Record: 32-28, third
Games Behind Cubs: 6

- Parra pitched seven strong innings and the bats did not cool off as the Brewers stay hot.

- Another sweep, an 8-1 home stand, nine of 10 games won… Life is good.

- The Brewers moved a game ahead of the Astros, gained a game on the Cubs (CUBS FINALLY LOSE!), and gained a half game on the Cardinals, whose game was postponed, as the team continues streaking.

- The team has won 11 of 15 since Braun said “We didn’t expect to win” after getting swept in Boston. Now, that’s turning a sinking season around.

- There’s a lot to like in this box score:

• Branyan and Hart hit home runs.
• Hart’s home run was an inside-the-park dinger.
• Kapler went four for five.
• Braun, Hart and Branyan went two for four.
• The team had 14 hits.
• They had no errors.
• Parra pitched seven innings and only gave up one run and four hits.
• Tavarez and Villanueva pitched scoreless innings.
• The Brewers put away an opponent early to finish off a GREAT home stand.

- Can the Brewers keep the winning up as they hit the road?

- Anyone worried about Prince anymore?

- Branyan said he’s OK with splitting time with Hall in a platoon. And Hall should get used to it if he keeps struggling and The Muscle keeps hitting home runs.

- The BrewersNation mock draft has the Brewers picking Tulane righty Shooter Hunt in tomorrow’s draft.

- The Capital Times lists a number of other mock drafts, which have the Brewers selecting Hunt, high school SS Anthony Hewitt, high school RHP/3B Ethan Martin, college RHP Josh Fields or college C Jason Castro.

- Haudricourt has a draft preview article for Baseball America.

- MLB Trade Rumors breaks down the starting pitching trade market.

- Two Fisted Slopper profiles Mat Gamel.

- Gagne will need more time before he comes off the DL.

- Anthony Witrado has a mailbag.

- Piniella is concerned about overusing his pitchers.

- A lot of Cubs fans are acting like the World Series is practically wrapped up (Don’t they learn?)… But as others start helping build on their dream (For example, Craig at Shysterball says the Cubs are the legit choice for the Series right now), this is certain to spiral out of control quickly…

NOTE: Tyler will have a running blog post tomorrow as the Brewers make their early round draft selections. Visit the page often to check for updates.